Ontario Government Retreats on Rent Control and Lease Reform Proposal

Renters and advocates rallied together after the introduction of a proposal to change the tenancy lease framework for fear it could hurt long-term tenants and vulnerable renters, such as seniors and students, across Ontario.

The Ontario government has reversed course on a controversial proposal that could have reshaped the province’s rental housing system. Premier Doug Ford’s government had floated the idea of consultations on ending indefinite leases and potentially altering rent control rules, sparking widespread concern among tenants, housing advocates, and opposition politicians.

The proposal, buried within a new housing bill, suggested exploring “alternative options” to lease expiry rules that would have given landlords greater control over who occupies their units and for how long. Critics warned the move could have destabilized housing security for long-term renters, seniors, and students.

Following a wave of public backlash, Housing Minister Rob Flack announced that the government would not proceed with the consultations. He emphasized that residents expect “stability and predictability” in Ontario’s rental market and that now is not the time to consider such sweeping changes.

Tenant groups and housing advocates welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for renters’ rights. However, many remain cautious, noting that the government’s broader housing legislation still contains measures aimed at accelerating development and reducing regulatory hurdles, which could have indirect impacts on affordability.

For now, Ontario’s long-standing system of rent control and indefinite leases remains intact, but the debate has underscored the province’s ongoing struggle to balance landlord flexibility with tenant protections.